Issue46 sthk jul aug by Sports+Travel Sports+Travel

JUL - AUG 2016 Free

ISSUE 46

Journeys Issue

Taiwan | Cuba | Morocco Â© Taiwan Tourism Bureau

JUL - AUG 2016 ISSUE 46

06 Far Flung Gems

TAIWAN'S OUTLYING ISLANDS

REGULARS 05

Publisher's Note

EXPLORING TASMANIA

Gear Guide

From Che to Cigars

Travel Tips

Events

Adventure on the Apple Isle

A MONTH ON THE ROAD IN CUBA

28 Journey Around Morocco

FROM THE MEDINAS TO MOUNTAINS

30 Naxi Stronghold

LIJIANG AND SURROUNDS

SPORTS + 21

Altitude Running

OUR TEAM PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER FINANCE & ADMIN MARKETING & ADVERTISING

Sports and Travel Limited publisher@sportsandtravel.com.hk Aaron K. Stewart astewart@sportsandtravel.com.hk Lynn Ooi

Marilyn Wong mwong@sportsandtravel.com.hk Hylda Low hlow@sportsandtravel.com.hk

Julian S. Rosario jrosario@sportsandtravel.com.hk

ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES AUSTRALIA HONG KONG INDONESIA MALAYSIA PHILIPPINES THAILAND

Sabine Senne ssenne@sportsandtravel.com.hk Chris Ng cng@sportsandtravel.com.hk

Akram Razak arazak@sportsandtravel.com.hk Sukdev Gill sgill@sportsandtravel.com.hk

Jil North jnorth@sportsandtravel.com.hk Jesse Ting jting@sportsandtravel.com.hk SPECIAL THANKS

CONTRIBUTORS Elijah Hooi Eugene Soh Gunther Deichmann

advertise@sportsandtravel.com.hk

John Jaycock Kaz Singer Vincent Tan Wilson Low

Taiwan Tourism Bureau Hong Kong Office

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Sports + Travel Hong Kong is published by Sports and Travel Limited Hong Kong. All articles published are in good faith and based on bona fide information available to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law. The Publisher also accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies, or other material. The Publisher accepts no responsibility or liability in any way for the contents or any of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. Al rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the previous written permission of The Publisher. Neither can any part be stored or recorded by any means. The opinions expressed in the publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher. Sports + Travel Hong Kong is published bi-monthly and distributed throughout Hong Kong. Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos, and depictions contained herein are the properties of the respective trademark and copyright owners. All color separation and printing by FANTASY PRINTING LTD., Unit B, 1/F, Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong Tel: 2554 5000 Sports + Travel Limited, 1104 Crawford House, 70 Queens Road Central, Central Hong Kong. W: www.sportsandtravel.com.hk | E: enquiry@sportsandtravel.com.hk

Publisher's Note

Dear Fellow Travellers, It’s summertime, so hit the road and have a welldeserved mid-year break! Long journeys are great this time of the year, as summer deals can be had in many places. We start off with a country closer to home, Taiwan – and while it’s a popular destination, not many visitors make their way to its outlaying islands: Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu and Green. Each of these tiny outposts have their own draws – Kinmen and Matsu for their military history, Penghu for its wild kite-surfing, and Green for its hammerhead shark diving.

arrives. Famed for its music and retro everything, Cuba has more to offer than you’d think: follow the revolutionary trail, admire its birdlife, or simply relax at one of the many authentic Casas Particulars. This issue, our Sports+ special is on “running”. From Altitude Training to Metrics Training, we’ve got it covered. Two “exotic” destinations wrap our issue. The first is Morocco, where the desert meets the ocean. Chock full of historical sites, colorful traditions, and desert medinahs with their winding mazes of souks, it’s still a popular place for explorers who love a bit of adventure.

Heading down under, Tasmania offers a full-on adventure whether you’re looking for a dramatic mountain hike, an exhilarating mountain bike trail or a relaxing kayaking experience amongst some beautiful coastal rock formations. The Aussie wildlife makes the experience even more fun and unpredictable.

We close the issue with Lijiang – the famed city of the Naxi tribe. Surrounded by mountains with mystical names like Jade Dragon Snow and Tiger Leaping Gorge, a visit to the Old Town itself is like a step back in time with its well-preserved cobbled streets lined with wooden latticed houses and ancient canals.

While our next destination takes more than a long weekend to accomplish, Cuba is on everyone’s hot list of places to go to before mass tourism

Until then, Happy Trails! Sports+Travel Ltd

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL

Resting on the fault line where the Euro-Asian and Philippine continental plates meet, Taiwan sits in a unique geographic location with frequent seismic activity, resulting in the extremely diversified topography and natural environment that it is known for today. These include the various offshore islands that people tend to overlook, each with their own distinct charm and offerings, such as historic Fujian villages, unique rock formations, and even a rare seawater hot spring. The offshore islands include Orchid Island and Turtle Island off the east coast of Taiwan, and Little Liuqiu, Matsu, and Kinmen off the west coast, as well as the more well-known Penghu Islands (west coast) and Green Island (east coast).

TEXT BY Chan Choy Yu IMAGES BY Taiwan Tourism Bureau Hong Kong Office

EAST COAST

TAIWAN’S OUTLYING ISLANDS

Resembling a typical South Pacific paradise, Orchid Island has high volcanic mountains, lush tropical rainforests, and stunning beaches fringed with coral reefs. It is inhabited by the aboriginal Tao (or Yami), a close-knit fishing tribe that still retains their traditional lifestyle. Hiking around the shoreline (a 37 km walk best completed over 2 days) is the best way to take in the stunning scenery and meet the local aboriginal communities. You can also catch their Flying Fish Festival (spring), Millet Harvest Festival (mid-June), and if you’re lucky, the Boat Launching Festival (only held when a village has finished building a handmade canoe) that can be seen nowhere else on earth. The island is accessed via airplane (25 minutes, NT$3,000 for a round-trip) or ferry (2-3 hours, NT$2,000 for a round-trip) from Taitung.

Turtle Island is a small island with a volcanic terrain resembling a turtle floating in the sea from certain angles — hence the name. A former military base, Turtle Island was off-limits to civilians until 2001, when it became a tourist spot. It has since been open yearly from March to November, with a limited number of visitors allowed. Those interested are recommended to register to visit at least 20 days in advance. Home to geological features like underwater hot springs and steaming volcanic fumaroles, the surrounding ocean also has one of the country’s richest population of cetaceans — 17 species appear regularly, including whales (like the dwarf sperm whale and false killer whale) and dolphins (like the bottlenose dolphin and spinner dolphin). They can be best seen from April to September. You can get to Turtle Island by boat (25 minutes, NT$1200 for a roundtrip) from Wushih Harbour in Yilan.

The only offshore island of Taiwan that is composed of coral, Little Liuqiu is a great location for sunset views. Perfect for a day or overnight trip, the 4km-long and 2kmwide island is famous for having 38 temples dotted throughout (6 per sq. km.), and also has many strange coral rock formations, caves, and great ocean scenery. Some of the best-known local sights include the Black Dwarf Cave, Beautiful Maiden Cave, Venice Beach, and Houshih Rock Formations. Chung Au Beach is a shell sand beach home to green sea turtles, with adult females coming ashore to nest during the summer months. Little Liuqiu is accessible by ferry (20 minutes, NT$420 for a round trip) from Donggang Port, Pingtung. Situated in the northwest corner of the Taiwan Straits and separated from mainland China by only a narrow strip of water, Matsu Islands are famous for their historical military sites and beautiful scenery. Small traditional Fujian villages, temples, military fortifications, dramatic seascapes, and the critically endangered Chinese Crested Tern make Matsu a

good place to go exploring, hiking, and birdwatching. To get to Matsu, flights from Taipei (50 minutes, NT$2000 for one-way) and Taichung (1 hour, NT$2455 for oneway), or ferries from Keelung (8-10 hours, NT$300-2000) can be taken. Similar to the nearby Matsu Islands, but with more traces of history – it’s home to 21 designated historic sites – Kinmen Island has large numbers of traditional southern Fujian-style houses and a diverse blend of Ming Dynasty Chinese temples, shrines, and stone gates; these sit alongside battlegrounds, memorials and war museums – remnants from the bitter civil war between Communist and Nationalist forces. This once-heavily guarded island now retains an old world charm not found anywhere else in Taiwan. Kinmen also attracts hundreds of species of migratory birds during winter. It is a very popular place for military enthusiasts to visit – it still remains a military outpost and restricted areas (for good reasons like old unmarked minefields) still exist. Take a plane (1 hour, NT$2000) from Taiwan or a ferry (1.5 hours, NT$650) from Xiamen, China, to reach the island.

Taiwan

WEST COAST

MAJOR ISLANDS

Finally, when offshore islands of Taiwan are mentioned, the two that come to mind first would be Penghu Islands and Green Island, known for windsurfing and snorkelling respectively. With the main archipelago itself already made up of 4 interconnected islands, Penghu has a lot to discover, starting with numerous beaches that cater to visitors of all kinds (be it sports enthusiasts looking for excitement or families who just want to relax), countless historical sites, and a vast array of local delicacies. On the other hand, for those who do not have the luxury of time, Green Island makes for a good 1-2 day getaway. It’s a much smaller island as compared to Penghu, but packed with lots of sights to see and things to do — snorkelling and diving in coral reefs among marine life, hiking to amazing views of geological formations, exploring aboriginal villages, soaking in hot springs, and learning about a dark period in Taiwan’s history in an old prison.

PENGHU ISLAND

The islands around Taiwan offer up a unique blend of history, beautiful scenery and water activities that make them a good destination for any traveller looking for the more relaxed side of Taiwan.

Matsu Island

CHINA

The windiest place in the northern hemisphere during spring and winter, Penghu is known as a windsurfing and kitesurfing mecca. It consists of almost 100 islands (of which only a quarter are inhabited), although ‘Penghu’ to most locals simply refers to the main archipelago made up of 4 interconnected islands (Makung, Husi, Paisha and Hsiyu). Dotted with restaurants that serve fresh seafood and lots of unique local fare, Penghu is also lined with beaches, temples and traditional Fujian-style homes surrounded by coral walls.

Kinmen Island

Beaches

TAIWAN Penghu Island

Green Island

With over 300 km of coastline, Penghu is blessed with conditions perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing (the main reason why visitors go there), and beaches with distinct characteristics.

Shanshui beach is the most popular, and is Penghu’s windsurfing hub during the summer. With white sand and clear waters, it’s situated in a quiet village about 15 minutes from Makung city. Generally a rather busy beach, Shanshui also has guesthouses and small hotels nearby. Longmen beach is a quieter alternative, with white sand and pristine waters that are not too rocky or as busy as Shanshui. With shoulder-high waves, and winds from 25-45 knots, it’s an ideal windsurfing spot. It is also a good place for camping, with shower facilities available. Located near Makung Airport, Aimen beach is the longest (3km), with calm and flat waters perfect for jet skiing and kite surfing (for beginners). For experienced windsurfers, Guan Yin Ting is a place not to be missed, with its generous winds making it the venue of the upcoming 2016 RS: One World Championships (26 Sept-1 Oct). For camping and scenery, there is Neian beach, on Siyu Island, with pagodas, barbecues, toilet/shower facilities and shallow waters as its draw. Nearby Shanshui is Chihli beach, a shell-sand beach known for its bizarre rock formations created thousands of years ago by cooling basalt magma, as well as unusual crevices caused by sea erosion. The Golden Sandspit on Jibei Island is worth checking out for its clear blue waters and amazing seascape.

Penghu has many temples, traditional houses, and coral walls to check out. Starting from Makung city, the Mazu Temple (built in the late 1500s) celebrates the Chinese goddess and is arguably one of the oldest temples in Taiwan. Nearby are little alleys with their eclectic mix of 20th-century Western and Fujian elements. Central Street is home to many fascinating sights like the Well of a Thousand Soldiers and the Shihkung Ancestral Shrine. Shuncheng Gate and the Makung Old Wall are also worth visiting, having been built by the then-occupying French in 1885 as a defensive measure, and then mostly knocked down by the Japanese. The old neighbourhood around the wall is left in its original state, which makes an interesting contrast from the renovated sections of the ‘old’ town. Other sights include the Confucius Temple, Guanyin Pavilion, Living Museum and Penghu Reclamation Hall. Elsewhere in the archipelago, there’s Erkan Village in Hsiyu Township. Antique red brick tiles and coral stone walls line the village, with the 50 or so houses built in a mixture of Fujian, Western and Japanese styles, mostly early 20th-century. Residents on the main street keep their front gates open so visitors can tour their houses

and sample local treats like cactus juice. Handmade incenses, antique Chinese toys, woodcarvings, and the Museum of Praising Songs can also be found in the village.

to a basalt hill is formed, allowing you to explore the area’s diverse ecology.

Also in Hsiyu, the 200-year-old Dayi Temple worships Guan Yu, the god of war. Apart from the interesting legends such as the statue of Guan Yu’s horse coming alive at night to trample vegetable gardens, the temple has an intriguing “basement” that is home to colourful coral caves and a mini aquarium with giant sea turtles (green turtles, loggerhead turtles, and hawksbill turtles). Additionally, you can explore the Daguoye Basalt, the representative of Penghu’s unique basalt cliffs.

Penghu has a rich fishing culture – fishermen used to build stone weirs (developed over 700 years ago) to funnel fish into stone enclosures. The archipelago has over 570 stone weirs, but the most famous and best preserved is the Twin-Heart Stone Weir on Qimei Island (accessible via a 15 minutes flight or 1.5 hour ferry ride from Makung), built out of basalt and coral reef, and resembling two hearts spooning.

In Paisha, the beams and columns of Baoan Temple are draped with over 600 sq.m. of branches and roots from the 300year old Tungliang Banyan Tree, creating a shady boulevard where residents have tea and chit chat. Nearby is a small market selling hand-picked local seaweed and cactus sorbet. Not to be missed is the Penghu Aquarium (admission NT$200), with a 14 m glass tunnel that allows visitors to be ‘underwater’. In Husi Township, Kuibishan is home to abundant creatures commonly seen in tidal zones (hermit crabs, conchs, starfishes). At low tide, a trail meandering from the beach

Taiwan

Historic Sites

Activities

Penghu is world famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as surfing. Various beaches like Shanshui, Aimen and Longmen are all ideal for such activities, with rental shops easily located in their vicinity. Snorkelling is possible, with one of the clearest spots located at the southern end of Shanshui beach. You can dive in Penghu, but unless you’re with a dive centre, the sites are not easily accessible.

Getting There

The easiest way to get around in Penghu is on a scooter, which you can rent at NT$300/day. Bicycles (around NT$150/day) are a viable option, easily rented from hotels, guesthouses, and bike rental shops. Island hopping ferries and short flights to more far flung islands in the archipelago (Qimei, Wangan, Jibei) are also available. Penghu is accessible by air and ferry. By air, flights are available from Taipei (40 minutes), Tainan, Taichung, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, and Jiayi. By ferry (limited during winter), it is a 3-hour ride from Kaohsiung or Jiayi.

GREEN ISLAND A tiny island that boasts lush mountains, pristine beaches and one of only three seawater hot springs in the world (the other two are in Japan and Italy), Green Island is abundant with coral reefs that are home to plentiful tropical fishes. It also has an infamous past, where Taiwan’s political prisoners and most dangerous criminals were housed in the Green Island Prison built in 1970. Great for hiking, snorkelling, and scubadiving, it’s a to-go place for lots of sun, fun, and a bit of history (there’s an abandoned aboriginal settlement too).

Attractions

Located off the coast of Taitung County, Green Island is characterised by mountainous terrain, green plains and white sandy beaches. One of the main attractions of the island is the stunning coral reefs, home to over 200 species of coral, and a great diversity of over 300 species of marine life ranging from colourful tropical fish to pelagic-like hammerhead sharks.

The rare saltwater springs (Zhaori Hot Springs) are another star attraction, caused by sulfurous water seeping through apertures on the coral shore and mixing with seawater. There are 2 sets of pools — the older, circular stone hot spring pits down by the beach, and the modern tile pools in the better-lit part of the complex. The former has water temperatures varying from 53°C to 83°C; the latter has pools at 15°C, 32°C, and 38°C, and a hydrotherapy area with showers and jacuzzis. Zhaori Hot Springs is open 24 hours from March to October, and 6am-10pm between November and February for NT$200 per person. Part of the island’s appeal, however, is also due to its brutal past as the primary place of imprisonment, torture and execution during the country’s White Terror and Martial Law periods (1949–87). Built in memory of those who survived and those who didn’t, the Green Island Human Rights Culture Park includes a Human Rights Monument and an old prison building

(dubbed “Oasis Villa” in irony) that has been converted into an exhibition hall with historical films and displays. At Youzihu, remnants of old stone houses from a village in the early years of the island’s settlement can be found. Made from layering coral reef rocks, the quaint traditional homes are surrounded by varied seascape including a coral reef, a shell beach of white coral, black volcanic rocks, and some of the most spectacular crags in Taiwan. Other sites to explore include Haicanping, a moon-shaped coral reef that houses odd-shaped rocks such as the Confucius Rock, Sleeping Beauty Rock, and the Pekingese Dog Rock; Niutou Hill, which is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and famous for its sunset views; Guanyin Cave, a natural cave characterised by a lone, tall stalagmite that resembles the shape of the goddess the cave is dedicated to; and the Sika Deer Ecological Park with viewing platforms, captivity areas, and guided tours.

With thriving coral reefs that attract a plethora of marine life including batfish, large spotted rays, the endangered Coconut Crab, and even sharks, Green Island is most well-known for snorkelling and scuba diving. Generally, snorkelling and diving equipment can be rented for a day for around NT$300, and guided tours are offered at most of the diving centres. Nanliao, Dabaisha and Chaikou are the most popular spots, with Nanliao being the easiest to access and almost always

crowded with snorkel tour groups — it’s also a good place for inexperienced swimmers. For more experienced and adventurous visitors, Dabaisha and Chaikou’s waters often have far fewer tourists and more stunning underwater scenery, although they also have steep dropoffs and stronger currents, so snorkelling or diving with a guide is recommended. Another famous but rather challenging dive site is Shark Point, famous for its shoals of hammerhead sharks. With fairly strong swells and currents, local dive operators can only take divers who have logged over 100 dives. There are also several trails on Green Island for hikers to explore. Little Great Wall, the most famous trail, is a steep 400m path that leads from the main road to a small pagoda on a hill — the best vantage point to check out Haishengping Bay and other geological formations nearby. A lesser-known trail on the south side of the island, Stairs to the Sea is a series of easy steps that wind under lush

Food

Variations of fresh seafood tossed with rice and noodles can be found all over Green Island. The highest concentration of restaurants can be found in Nanliao Village, most offering the usual Chinese and Taiwanese fare. Interesting specialities of Green Island, however, are deer meat that is served in most restaurants, and shaved ice desserts in giant clam shells doubling as bowls.

Accommodation

Most hotels, hostels, guesthouses and B&Bs on Green Island are located in Nanliao Village, like Ocean Resort (NT$2,600), although there are still lodgings elsewhere on the island, such as Wanghai Xuan Homestay (NT$1,000, Chaikou), and campgrounds at Ziping or around Dabaisha (NT$300 per tent). If you’re

tree branches and goes up the mountain. Another alternative is the 1.8km Guoshan Gu Dao Trail that crosses the island, starting from behind Nanliao Village.

Taiwan

Activities

Camping is possible at Ziping, where the elevated wooden campsites have water and power facilities. With many tidal pools formed by coral reefs, precious corals (red corals) and hermit crabs, Ziping is also an eco-conservation area that is conveniently located near the Zhaori Hot Springs and Dabaisha.

Visitors can stargaze at Haicanping as well; apart from its interesting rocks, it’s also devoid of light after evening, making it perfect for such an activity.

planning to head to the island during the summer months, it is recommended to make a reservation beforehand.

Transport

With the circumference of the island by road at only 19 km, renting a scooter or a bicycle (if you do not have an international license) is a feasible way to make your way around. Rentals shops can be easily found at Nanliao harbour, Nanliao Village, or at the Green Island Airport, and prices shouldn’t cost more than NT$300-400 for scooters, and NT$150 for bikes. There is also a public bus that goes around the island several times daily, costing approximately NT$20 for a whole circuit. Bus stops can be found along the main road, but buses may stop even if flagged anywhere along the route.

GEAR GUIDE

COLUMBIA TECH TEE

A super-cooling tech tee with stretch and sun protection, this soft and lightweight men’s shirt sports a cooling technology which reacts with your sweat to lower the material’s temperature and keep you cool during dynamic aerobic activity even in the heat. Available at all Columbia shops at HK$499. Columbia Tech Tee

BOLLE 5TH ELEMENT PRO

Bolle 5th Element Pro uses Modulator Clear Gray lens that darken from clear (low light) to grey (bright light), which is ideal for unpredictable conditions, with oleophobic and anti-fog lens treatment. These sunglasses fit perfectly into the helmet when they’re in use via slots in the helmet. It fits every shape of face thanks to the The B-Fit Temples system. The frame adjusts to all head movements, offering a wide field of vision both horizontally and vertically. The profiled stems optimise aerodynamics and enhance side protection against outdoor elements (wind, dust, etc.). Available at most optics shops at HK$1,620.

Bolle 5th Element Pro

THE NORTH FACE MEN’S ULTRA ENDURANCE

Tear up the trails with the lightweight protection of this versatile trail running shoe that delivers a stable ride and unparalleled traction. The North Face Men’s Ultra Endurance provides comfortable and great support for trail running at all conditions. The upper is made of Welded TPU and suede midfoot support overlays which provides protection from trail debris. The sole is made of 17 mm/9 mm heel/forefoot EVA underfoot, with heelstability technology, compression-molded midsole, and forefoot protection. The Vibram Megagrip outsole delivers superior grip, traction and durability on slick surfaces. Available at the North Face shops at HK$1,090.

Reecho Rover 15

REECHO ROVER 15

Reecho Rover 15 uses 100g Thermolight material, made with polyester fabrics that repel water. The semi rectangular design allows for more freedom of movement. It can unzipped and flattened to be used as a blanket indoors, or folded into a single sleeping bag when outdoors. Its hood can be tightened with its built-in strap to reduce heat loss. Available at Reecho shops at HK$370.

The North Face Men’s Ultra Endurance

Salomon S-LAB WINGS 8 (Unisex)

Sunday Afternoons’ Ultra Adventure Hat

SALOMON S-LAB WINGS 8 (UNISEX)

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS’ ULTRA ADVENTURE HAT

The Ultra is updated with a slimmer silhouette and fun technical details like the Clamshell Brim and Sunglass Lock, but still retains the sun protection, ventilation, and moisture management from its iconic Original Adventure Hat. Available at RC Outfitters at HK$340.

The Salomon S-Lab Wing 8 is unisex and lightweight (550gms), built for athletes running on dry terrains and technical downhills during ultra-distance races. The Sensifit cradles the foot from the midsole to the lace system, providing a stable, precise, snug fit all around, and is moulded into the shoe to reduce weight and for extra comfort. The internal sleeve provides a precise fit to give you enhanced control and reduced slippage on the downhill. Available at all Overlander shops at HK$1,820.

The Compressport Overshort

Lifeproof iPhone 6s Case – frē

ANS Drink & Go

THE COMPRESSPORT OVERSHORT

The comfortable Compressport Overshort gives total freedom from the first strides. It is ideal to be worn over the Compressport underwear or the trail shorts to allow a complete range of movements. Its ergonomic shape provides an optimal support while avoiding any kind of abdominal pressure. Thanks to its single layer and hemless mess fibre, it dries very quickly and won’t retain perspiration even after hours of long-distance and trail running. The belt pocket allows you to carry keys, and even a smartphone. Available at all Escapade Sports shops at HK$420.

ANS DRINK & GO

ANS Drink & Go is an Australian-made readyto-drink (RTD) protein beverage made with real Australian Whey Protein. It has been formulated to be the cleanest RTD on the market backed by leading Australian Health Inspection Services. The drinks come in 5 flavours: Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla, Banana, & Berry. Available at some fitness centres including Pure Fitness Kinwick Centre, Central, Epic MMA, Central, Crossfit Cavaliers, Kennedy Town, etc… at HK$45.

GEAR GUY: Ken Berg

THE LONG Epic journeys can require some epic gear. When you’re going on a long journey you’re likely looking at higher end gear. You’ll have to make a lot of the classic choices that you’re always confronted with when it comes to gear, like weight versus durability; but when on a true journey, you won’t want to make a lot of sacrifices. PACKS

If you’re doing a classic backpacking trip or just wanting something to haul a lot of gear comfortably, you’ll likely be choosing a classic camping-style backpack. These will have the advantage of being able to carry a lot of weight with more comfort and should weigh less when empty. The suspension system will be made with better foam in the shoulder straps and the help belt will be much stiffer. Since the hip belt is where you want most of the weight to be sitting, this seemingly small feature can result in huge benefits. Unless you’re very good at packing, you’re likely looking for a bag in the 75L category (a little lower if you’re sticking to warmer climates or not doing a lot of activities). Something like the Gregory Denali 75 is an alpine-ready pack that carries weight well and offers good comfort for the weight. You

can even strip it down to shave some grams. The suspension system automatically adjusts to your shoulder angles and hip belt has a lot of quality padding that won’t pack down even after months of heavy use.

SHOES

The old adage that “one pound on the foot equals five pounds on the back” is worth remembering. On a long backpacking trip, you’ll be able to walk further and faster with lighter shoes. If lightweight hiking boots are hard to find, then you can opt for trail runners – it may seem counterintuitive but these rugged and grippy shoes do have benefits. Even a lightish pair

Ken grew up on the doorstep of the Canadian wilderness, backpacking, paddling and rock climbing in this rugged land. Armed with a degree in recreational studies, he has been working at Canada’s premier outdoor retailer for over 10 years, putting gear to the test whether it’s cycling in -35ºC winters, running marathons or travelling to the far reaches of the planet.

of hiking boots weigh around 500g per boot, putting an “equivalent” 5kg on your back; a lightweight trail runner weighs an average of 300g per shoe. Unless you’re heading high into serious mountain country, trail runners are easier to break into, and are easier to care for. If you don’t have ankle issues, trail runners strengthen and stretch your ankles, making your footwork less clumsy and prevents ankle injury. Ideally look for shoes that can withstand a different set of rigours. Something like the Saucony Peregrine 5 has comfortable padding for the long hike, plus good traction for everything from technical to rocky terrain, and a sturdy sole.

Tasmania

15 EXPLORING TASMANIA TEXT AND IMAGES BY Wilson Low

Wilson Low and his partner Yan Jiehui are supported on their adventures with equipment and training from: Athlete Lab, Altitude, MTBSkills Singapore, Inov8, Icebreaker, GoPro, Vertix, FitBit, Yeti Bukit Timah, Specialized Bicycles Singapore.

Tasmania, Australia’s southern island state, offers varied, adventuresome landscapes waiting to be explored via a range of selfguided sport activities. The shoulder season of late November and early December rates as one of the best times to sample ‘Tassie’. With this in mind, it’s a great time to be armed with a rental station-wagon brimming with camping and outdoor gear for multi-sport tour of ‘The Apple Isle’ (apples being a famous Tasmanian agricultural export).

ROGAINING IN ROSS Rogaining – the outdoor pastime of navigating in teams using a map and compass to find checkpoints in the bush and farmland – is a perfect way to sample the town of Ross and its rural surrounds in the Midlands farming belt, far off the regular tourist trail. The recent 24-hour, non-stop Ross Rummage competition served as the Tasmanian State Championships, attracting outdoor enthusiasts keen to camp out for the weekend and test their navigation skills. The event kicked off at 12 noon and wrapped in 24 hours, requiring teams to ‘go bush’ with just a small daypack containing supplies, headlamp, compass, and a map of the competition

area. While looking for checkpoints in daylight as well as darkness, many wild animals – including possums, wombats, wallabies, and native birds – can be spotted. Expansive sheep and cattle paddocks, fields of wheat and rapeseed, along with pine tree plantations, are scattered about the hills surrounding Ross. The town of Ross has accommodation options as well as hearty food; a culinary highlight that cannot be missed is scallop pie, for which the town is famous. It is also well known as the site of a historical women’s penal settlement: the Ross Female Factory.

SEA KAYAKING THE TASMAN PENINSULA Fortescue Bay, situated on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania’s southeast, is a veritable wonderland for kayaking explorers. The bay boasts secluded camping-friendly beaches, thick coastal forests, majestic sea cliffs, and is attended by various wildlife – both above and beneath the waves.

rope across the narrow channel between them and the mainland cliff face.

First stop: a seal colony on the southern edge of the bay. Adolescent seal pups – unfazed by the presence of curious humans – can be seen frolicking on the water’s surface, almost within arm’s reach of the kayak hulls; sunbathing on the rocks nearby, fully-grown adult seals keep watch.

Next, the shipwreck of the William Pitt, just visible above the water line, greets visitors who wander further back along the bay coast. This vintage steam hopper was scuttled at its current location to act as a breakwater for small craft, and is a great underwater attraction for marine life, as well as for snorkellers and divers.

Paddling onward, a key highlight of this coastline looms into view: the ‘Candlestick’, a 110m-high monolith sticking out from the waves. Along with its shorter neighbour, the ‘Totem Pole’, these starkly scenic ‘sea stacks’ (the geological name for such formations) make for a showpiece ascent for hardcore rock climbers, who gain access by traversing a

Crossing the choppy expanse of open sea to the bay’s north end, a pair of resident sea eagles can be seen hovering on sentry duty above their nesting site where the trees meet the shoreline.

HIKING THE WILD WESTERN ARTHURS The sheer beauty of Tasmania’s Southwest is best appreciated with a multi-day hike – or bushwalk, as Aussies call it – into its rugged heart. The area consists of wild, untrammeled plains, forests, and mountains. Due to its inaccessibility, penchant for wild, Antarctic weather, as well as low soil coverage, it is largely unsuitable for settlement, forestry, or agriculture. This National Park – the state’s largest – is also a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and one of the last expanses of temperate wilderness in the world. One of the Southwest’s prominent geographical features, the Arthur Range, boasts one of Australia’s most difficult and dangerous hiking routes. The hike starts from Lake Pedder, and traces southward through heathland along the Port Davey Track: a trail built in colonial times as a means for shipwrecked sailors to escape the desolate Southwestern coastline and rejoin civilisation.

The Arthur Range itself consists of dolerite and quartzite moraines, peaks, cliffs, and gullies. Numerous bluish-black alpine lakes punctuate this jagged, almost alien landscape. The otherworldly theme is reinforced by the planet and constellation names given to its features, such as Mount Orion, Lake Uranus, and Crags of Andromeda. Traversing the western circuit takes most parties between 6 and 8 days, camping along a few sheltered spots and subsisting on dehydrated meals, trail mix, and water from lakes and streams. Up on the range, the track narrows and becomes extremely steep and precarious. A distance of 5km on its most technical sections might

take 5 hours – or more – to cross safely. Often, hardy alpine shrubs provide the only handholds and insurance against questionable footing – and from tumbling down near-vertical chasms. At other times, free-climbing up and down sheer rock faces (and hauling backpacks up or down with ropes) provides the only means of passage. The threat of bad weather is everpresent, given the nearby Southern Ocean and the resulting frequency of severe windstorms, rain squalls, and blizzards – even in summer. The Arthur Range – indeed the entire Southwest – is a haunting landscape; even after having gained safe passage through it, one can never be truly free of its spell.

Tasmania

17 MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPLORATION Mountain biking opportunities abound in Tasmania, with several tracks and trail centres supported by a dedicated community of off-road cyclists in their respective localities. Amongst all, the leader in terms of accessibility would be the capital city of Hobart’s very own ‘home trail’, the NorthSouth Track. The ‘North-South’ lies in the shadow of Mount Wellington (or kunanyi, as it is officially known). It is a trail best enjoyed going downhill: the trailhead is situated half-way up the tourist road to the summit, and a car shuttle is highly recommended. The singletrack hugs the mountain slopes, winding between gumtrees, before finally joining Glenorchy MTB park on the lower slopes. Glenorchy MTB Park itself is purpose-built for MTB recreational riding and competition, and is an easy ride/drive from Hobart city centre.

To Tasmania’s north, just out of Launceston, Hollybank Reserve’s trails provide a different flavour. Its centrepiece trail is the Juggernaut, which rewards those who reach its top end (via a shuttlefriendly fire-road ascent) with a 10km white-knuckle descent along rock gardens, steep-sided berms, and giant rollers. The lower reaches of Hollybank boast easiergrade trails as well as a skills practice area for riders to hone their confidence. Further northeast can be found the current star of Tasmania’s MTB-scape: the town of Derby. The booming popularity of the Blue Derby trails, along with the nearby Blue Tier trail, has reinvigorated and lifted the township out of a post-mining boom slump. Blue Tier is a rough, boulder-strewn backcountry track through temperate rainforest that needs commitment to be climbed in its entirety – and then ridden Check out our videos and pictures on: SportsandTravelSG SportsandTravelMag

downhill – in order to glean full descentcentric enjoyment. Blue Derby, on the other hand, is a purpose-made trail network with multiple distances and difficulty options for a wider range of riders, and incorporates a big loop around a local reservoir as well as riverside bushland and rock formations. Trails with more challenging berms and rollers are constructed with speedgenerating ‘flow’ in mind; conversely, the colourful, well-manicured trailside native vegetation on the easier loops would appeal to those keen on admiring the scenery while riding at a more leisurely pace.

A MONTH ON THE ROAD IN CUBA

Cuba is known for old American cars – it is possible to travel from one end of the country to the other without setting foot in a vehicle built later than 1959. All the old makes are there – Chevrolet, Buick, Plymouth, Ford, Oldsmobile in large numbers with the odd smattering of the more exotic, Studebaker, Pontiac and Edsel.

VINALES

GETTING STARTED

Most trips begin in the beautiful colonial capital of Havana, or La Habana as it is known. There are many accommodation options including a range of Casa Particulars (B&B’s) which lets you save on costs and give the added advantage of more contact with the local people. Some of these Casa Particulars are located in quaint historic buildings, including an old bank building in the heart of the Old City ‘Habana Vieja’. Book ahead and feel special by being picked up at the airport in an old fashioned 1950s automobile. Everyone visiting Cuba needs a ‘fixer’ (in most cases they’re owners of Casa Particulars) – they make things happen. For example, they can arrange your travel to Vinales, a green and fertile valley at the western end of the island, in a ‘collectivo’ shared taxi and book you into a lovely Casa on the outskirts of the village.

This area is at the heart of Cuba’s justifiably famous tobacco growing region and is the source of the raw materials for the country’s best cigars. There are walking tours through the tobacco fields, ending at a local farm where they make these prized cigars.

The village is surrounded by limestone karst mogotes, extensive cave systems and some great hiking trails in the surrounding countryside where you may spot a hummingbird. Casas can provide a tasty breakfast of fruit, eggs, ham, cheese, juice and coffee and in most cases an evening meal if requested. Outside of Havana and Trinidad these meals will often be the best food around.

TEXT AND IMAGES BY Kaz Singer and John Jaycock

TRINIDAD

From Vinales, take another collectivo trip in an immaculate Oldsmobile, a 1952 Chevrolet or a comfortable 1954 Buick with a modern Mercedes diesel engine to Trinidad, skirting around Havana along the way. Trinidad’s architecture and lively music scene is second only to Havana in its setting at the foot of the Sierra Del Escambray. There are some good excursions into the mountains and the sugar growing valleys, which helped to make the city so prosperous in the 19th century and the early years of the 20th. Music is everywhere in Cuba. There are clubs devoted to Son, Trova and Salsa (the most popular genres) made universally known by the Buena Vista Social Club. There are strolling players in bars and restaurants everywhere, and busking bands set up on terraces or steps of old buildings with a hat set for tips.

THE REVOLUTIONARY TRAIL

From Trinidad, the numbers of tourists drop off considerably heading further east to Bayamo, the heart of Cuba’s first revolutionary stirrings, at the foot of the Sierra Maestra, where Fidel, Raul and Che

THE CUBAN COAST

Long isolated by geography that prevented access by road, Baracoa developed its own cuisine dominated by seafood and chocolate from the cacao trees that flourished in the surrounding high country. Proximity to the World Heritage-listed Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (home of the world’s smallest frog) and some of Cuba’s fine beaches make it an ideal base for a few days of relaxation. Heading back west to Santiago De Cuba, you can investigate a 17th century Spanish fortress guarding the harbour mouth from marauding pirates, and visit its vibrant central square with strolling players and the inevitable mojito bars. An efficient overnight bus travels most of the way back to Havana and arrives early in Santa Clara for a day of Che.

established a guerrilla base in 1957-58 and broadcasted to a nation tired of Batista’s excesses via Radio Rebelde. Increasingly bold skirmishes were capped off on 29 December 1958 when Che led a small group in derailing a troop train outside Santa Clara and routing the 300 heavily armed government troops in the ensuing confusion. Within a couple of days, Batista had fled the country, and ‘Los Barbudos’ (the bearded ones) had won an unlikely victory which ushered in what is now a 57year period of rule by the Castro brothers which had led positively to dramatic increases in literacy and health care, and less positively led to the US trade embargo that has kept Cuba locked, in a time warp of pre-revolutionary equipment, with decaying infrastructure and limited consumer goods. After following the revolutionary trail to the Commondancia De La Plata in the Sierra Maestro, you can head to Baracoa at the far eastern end of the island.

CHASING CHE

Guevara’s presence is everywhere in Cuba, but nowhere more so in Santa Clara, the scene of the battle that secured his victory, and home to his memorial and mausoleum. After being killed in Bolivia in 1967 in a CIA-supported raid, his body was eventually recovered and returned to Cuba in 1997. Next, head south to the Bay of Pigs – best known as the scene of the abortive 1961 invasion by Cuban dissidents supported by the US. More importantly, today it is the jumping off point for bird watching trips into the Cienaga de Zapata, the Ramsar-listed wetlands that is home to many water-bird species including graceful pink flamingoes. The irony of visiting American twitchers is not lost on the locals but outweighed by the promise of more prosperous times ahead. Travel by another collectivo, maybe a 1953 Chevrolet, back to Havana to explore the old town and the Malecon on the coast, or drop in on Ernest Hemmingway’s house of Finca La Vigia where he made his home for more than 20 years, or stock up on some unique Che and Cuban souvenirs, celebrating your visit with an infamous daiquiri.

PRACTICALITIES

Daily flights fly to Havana from several European capitals; there are also regular connections via Mexico and Canada. Cuba operates a dual currency system. Most purchases by tourists are in CUC (convertible pesos) which are pegged to the US Dollar. Moneda Nacional or CUP (25 CUPs to the CUC) can be used to purchase street snacks or local transport. Some US-linked credit cards are not accepted in ATMs, so take some cash (Euros are recommended). Casa Particulars generally cost between 25-35 CUC a night for a double room. Breakfast is 4-5 CUC per person and dinner (when available) is 8-12 CUC per person. Hotels start at around 50 CUC per night. Whilst it would be possible, with time and planning, to do all your travel in pre-

revolutionary American cars, it should be taken into account that these vehicles are around 60 years old and whilst reasonably reliable, do not have seat belts, air bags or any other safety features available in modern cars. Viazul, a national coach line chiefly aimed at foreign travellers, operate regular schedules to all of the major tourist destinations and are an economic and safer way of getting around. English is spoken in some places in the larger cities but is very limited in the countryside. Some Spanish helps. Most travellers to Cuba are flocking here to visit the country before more American tourists visit due to the ease of travel restrictions (which are due soon). This means that in the meantime, travellers will be mainly from Europe who are enjoying the Cuban trail before it dramatically changes.

Running | 27

JOURNEY AROUND MOROCCO

CONTRIBUTED BY Elijah Hooi (agirlandabaldtraveller.com)

From the fragrant medina of Fez to the ochre dunes of the Sahara and the rugged coastline along the Mediterranean, Morocco is no stranger to any traveller, and a journey through the entire country takes you through one of the most diverse landscapes in Africa.

MARRAKECH Many visitors begin their journey from Marrakech, an ancient medina with a maze of winding streets. By nightfall, the best place to go is the main square of Jamaa el Fna, where you can not only get street food, you can also enjoy street performances and soak in the market atmosphere. It can be quite overwhelming with its crowd, but you can opt for a terrace-top vantage point for a quieter evening dinner. Despite the touristy vibe, the cost for a lavish meal is around €5 (street food, like fresh juice and boiled snails, are a lot cheaper), and a night at a decent hostel ranges from €5-7. Despite being reputed as one of the biggest tourist traps in Morocco, the Tanneries are a popular site. Locals often aggressively demand a ‘guiding fee’ of up to €10. Having been around since the 11th century, the ancient process of producing leather have changed little since biblical times – this involves an unpleasant cocktail of cow urine, pigeon faeces and acids to clean and cure the leather. Here, half naked men stand up to their knees in clay vats with this foul-smelling mixture going about their business – carry a big handful of mints to mask a bit of the odour. To get away from the hustle and bustle of the souks, head outwards towards the medina with its private palaces and riad mansions – some of which offer accommodation. For some action, go for a mountain bike ride in the palmeraie (palm oasis). For a unique experience, there’s the hammams, where bathers get scrubbed (sans clothing) from head to toe in a mixed gender bath house.

OUARZAZATE The largest town in Saharan Morocco, Ouarzazate’s ochrecoloured kasbahs (fortresses) seem to rise from the desert. Nearby is the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou – this impressive fortification is made up of numerous kasbahs with a labyrinth of sandstone-coloured towers and walls that seem to tumble down from the hill. A great example of pisé clay architecture, it has also been used as film locations for numerous movies and TV series including ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Mummy’. The nearby Dades Gorge is a scenic area with unusual geological formations dotted with Berber villages and plantations. It’s also home to a number of small hotels and guesthouses. A desert safari is another attraction in Morocco, where you can spend a night or two in desert camps. The most popular starting point is Merzouga, a small village at the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The small campsites dotted around Merzouga are accessible via a short camel ride, and comprise of several tents, where meals are shared around a communal fireplace. The best time to head into the desert is from February to April, when daytime temperatures hover around 25ºC. Desert safaris can be arranged from Marrakech;, a 3-day package costs about €80.

Another popular site is the ancient city of Fez, bestowed a World Heritage status as the world’s largest living medieval Islamic city. The city consists of 2 medinas, of which Fès el-Bali (Old Fez) is its great drawcard thanks to its warren of narrow lanes and covered bazaars laden with colourful food stands and mosques. In recent years, many old riads in the quiet medinas have been repurposed into exotic homes and hotels.

Morocco

FEZ

While it’s easy to get lost in the narrow twisting streets, there are several well-marked trails including the green (Andalusian palaces and gardens), orange (walls and forts), dark blue (monuments and souks), and red (artisan crafts) that can take about 3 hours to complete each. Fez is home to many magnificent madrasa (religious schools), including AlQarawiyyin (founded 859AD), one of Africa’s largest mosques and possibly the oldest functioning madrasa in the world, and the Medersa Bou Inania, a magnificent 14th century college with elaborate geometric designs (it’s also one of the few religious places in Morocco accessible to non-Muslims). Chefchaouen Fez

ATLANTIC OCEAN MOROCCO Marrakech

Merzouga Ouarzazate

CHEFCHAOUEN Known as the ‘Blue City’, Chefchaouen lives up to its moniker – this medina is a winding maze of blue buildings, originally painted by Jewish settlers. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, hilly Chefchaouen makes a nice change of pace from crowded Marrakech or Fez. Spanish-speaking Chefchaouen is split into the eastern medina with the busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and a restored kasbah at its heart, and the western ‘ciudad nueva’ (new city). While it has a reputation amongst backpackers for its kif (hence the aggressive touts), growing and selling of the stuff is illegal in Morocco. Another reputation it has is as a base for hiking the mountains nearby. From the Ras el Maa waterfall (with the Spanish mosque) to the trails in the Talassemtane National Park, there are plenty of hiking options depending on your time and fitness level. Local hiking guides are available, or search Gite Talassemtane for hiking excursions.

Fez also has its own tannery – the Chaouwara; plenty of nearby leather shops offer good vantage points although many touts offer visitors a close-up look. One of the annoyances of Fez is the constant pestering from touts, which can be more persistent than those in Marrakech.

Lijiang is a well-known destination for culture, with its maze of cobbled streets, rickety traditional buildings and canals. However, it’s not all about the history, for there are more things to do in this time-locked place than just soaking up the atmosphere. PHOTOS BY Eugene Soh

LIJIANG AND SURROUNDS

HOME OF THE NAXI

Famed for its scenic beauty and culture, Lijiang is an ancient city located on a 2,400m-high plateau in China’s Yunnan province. Situated at the base of the massive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it is home to the Naxi people who are related to Tibetans, but have their own distinct language and culture. One of the ethnic minorities of China, the Naxi are generally very welcoming to visitors. Making a living off livestock, farming and handicraft, they have a

matriarchal society with traditions that date back hundreds of years. Lijiang’s old town is a great reflection of the area’s history. It has managed to keep its architecture and customs intact, and is a great place to go to get a taste of what life was like hundreds of years ago, although there are a few more bars playing modern tunes around nowadays. The three oldest districts of the city – Dayan District, Shuhe Town and Baisha Quarter (collectively known as the ‘Old Town’) – were declared UNESCO World Heritage areas in 1997. The town was built where the Jade River Splits into three, and the people took advantage of this to build a water system that runs throughout the town. The intricate web of canals, with Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan) as its main water source, provide the entire city with water for all their needs, from drinking to washing and cleaning of streets. The city is also peppered with about 350 bridges, some dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

a closer look at the glacier. If you’re there around November to early May, you can even go skiing at the Dragon Snow Ski Resort, a small place suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers.

The best way to get to know the rich history of Lijiang is through a homestay at a traditional Naxi home, where you can learn their customs and traditions that date back hundreds of years. It’s also a great way to try Naxi food, like yak milk tea and yak steak.

One of the most iconic hikes in the world, the Tiger Leaping Gorge provides stunning views and a decent challenge to a fit climber. The hike up is a treacherous collection of bends, steps, twists and cliffs that will take a couple of days to complete. Many buses ply the route between the gorge and Lijiang, and you can spend the night at one of the various guest lodges on the mountain.

While you’re there, it’s worth navigating maze of streets – some so old that the cobblestones shine like marble from the many years of foot traffic. You’ll find many shops selling everything from handicrafts to the local staple of dried yak meat. While it’s easy to get lost, the centre of the Old Town is the Square Street (Sifangjie), with 4 streets (and their countless lanes) radiating from it. A popular site is the Black Dragon Pool, a picturesque lake built in the Qing dynasty with a white marble bridge stretched across it. With the beautiful Elephant and Jade Snow Dragon Mountain as its backdrop, it is an iconic view of the city. For nightlife, Xinhua Street has many of the

most famous establishments. Music can be anything from club beats to reggae, and the experience of drinking in an ancient building is a far cry from the concrete constructions present in most cities.

SIGHTS, HIKES AND BIKES

There is plenty to do outside the city of Lijiang. You can rent a bike from downtown and spend a day visiting the some of the small villages that dot the countryside. It’s a really good way to see the sights, as the roads are good and have little traffic.

One of the most popular attractions is the Jade Snow Dragon Mountain, about half an hour north of the city. The mountain is sacred to the Naxi, as their deity Sandou is the god of the mountain. You can get a cable car to the top of the mountain to take in its snow-capped peaks at Glacier Park, or you can hike your way up along the trails to the 4,680m peak for

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Lijiang

YUNNAN PROVINCE

GETTING THERE

Lijiang

ATTRACTIONS

The UNESCO listings brought in a flood of tourists into the area, and as a result, it is common for the narrow lanes of the old city to be packed with visitors at peak periods, usually around summer (June to September), when the weather is warmest and prices are doubled.

Tigerair recently relaunched its weekly direct flights to Lijiang, with a flight time of about 4.5 hours. Visitors to Lijiang Old Town are required to pay a protection fare of 80RMB, with additional fees applicable for visits to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Tigerair flies from Singapore to Quanzhou from $199 all-in one way. For more info visit www.tigerair.com

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Events Calendar

HONG KONG

If you have an event that you feel should be included on this page, please email us on events@sportsandtravel.com.hk

29-31 Jul Hong Kong Open Swimming Championships 2016

www.hkasa.org.hk

Swimming

7 Aug

2016 Aquathon Series - Race 3 www.xterace.com/midsummerrace3.html Aquathon

13 Aug

Midsummer Race 3 - Mui Wo www.xterace.com/midsummerrace3.html Trail Run 10km

14 Aug

2016 Southern District Cross Country Run www.hkrunners.com/node/6229 Run 9/3.5/1.2km

4 Sep

Tailwind Trail Chase 2016 www.xterace.com/tailwindtrailchase.html Trail Run 16km

11 Sep

The Salomon X-Trail Series High Island Reservoir www.salomonhkxtrail.wix.com/xtrail Trail Run 18/8km

18 Sep

Lantau Vertical www.lantauvertical.com

25 Sep

Mid-Autumn Race 2016 www.xterace.com/midautumnrace.html Trail Run 6/16km

25 Sep

Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon www.discoverhongkong.com

25 Sep

Aqua Terra: HK Island www.terramar.hk/event Aquathon or Run 16km

25 Sep

Mid-Autumn Race 2016 www.xterace.com/page19.html

8-10 Oct Lantau Dark 45

www.xterace.com/lantaudark45.html

8-10 Oct 2016 FIA Formula E Hong Kong ePrix 16 Oct

Vertical Race 7km

Trail Night Run 23/45km

www.hkformulae.com

New World Harbour Race www.hkharbourrace.com

5-6 Nov HK168

Trail Run 6/16km

www.xterace.com/hk168.html

Racing

Swimming 1.5km

Ultra trail run 33/63/168km

Cycling